Check soil texture from sand, silt, and clay values. Review normalized fractions, class results, charts, and exportable summaries for field reporting.
| Sample | Sand (%) | Silt (%) | Clay (%) | Class | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX-01 | 82 | 10 | 8 | Loamy Sand | Drainage layer |
| EX-02 | 40 | 40 | 20 | Loam | General fill review |
| EX-03 | 25 | 35 | 40 | Clay | Settlement concern |
| EX-04 | 55 | 25 | 20 | Sandy Clay Loam | Compaction check |
This soil triangle calculator helps construction teams interpret soil texture quickly. It uses sand, silt, and clay percentages to place a sample inside a texture triangle. That result supports better decisions during earthwork, compaction planning, drainage review, and material selection.
Texture influences bearing behavior, permeability, workability, and moisture response. Sandy soils drain faster and compact differently. Silty soils can lose strength when wet. Clay-rich soils may shrink, swell, and retain water for longer periods. A clear soil texture class improves field communication and reduces reporting delays.
The tool accepts two or three particle fractions. When one fraction is missing, it computes the remainder from the 100 percent total. It can also normalize values when laboratory data totals slightly above or below 100 because of rounding. That saves time during fast design checks and site reporting.
Besides the soil class, the page returns dominant fraction, fines content, coarse to fine ratio, texture index, and ternary coordinates. Optional moisture content, liquid limit, and plastic limit fields extend the review. This is useful when teams compare field classification with consistency behavior and constructability observations.
The graph plots the sample on a ternary chart. That visual check helps confirm whether the sample trends toward sand, silt, or clay. Export buttons create a CSV summary and a PDF-ready report view. These outputs support internal records, consultant coordination, and quality documentation.
Use laboratory-tested percentages whenever possible. Field estimates are helpful for screening, but final design should rely on verified gradation and index properties. This calculator is best used as a practical interpretation tool for construction planning, soil discussions, and quick documentation.
1. Total fraction: Total = Sand + Silt + Clay
2. Missing fraction: Missing value = 100 − other two fractions
3. Normalized fraction: Adjusted value = (Component / Total) × 100
4. Fines content: Fines = Silt + Clay
5. Coarse/Fine ratio: Ratio = Sand / (Silt + Clay)
6. Plasticity index: PI = Liquid Limit − Plastic Limit
7. Ternary coordinates: X = Silt + Clay/2, Y = Clay × 0.8660254038
The soil class is assigned from the normalized percentages using common USDA-style texture boundaries. This gives a reliable soil-texture label for many construction review tasks.
It shows how sand, silt, and clay combine to define a soil texture class. The class helps estimate drainage, workability, and general construction behavior.
Yes. If two valid fractions are entered, the calculator computes the third fraction so the total becomes 100 percent.
Normalization adjusts values when lab percentages do not total exactly 100 because of rounding or minor reporting differences. It preserves the relative proportions.
Yes. It is useful for quick field interpretation and early planning. Final engineering decisions should still use verified laboratory results and project specifications.
Fines content is the sum of silt and clay. It helps indicate how much of the sample may affect moisture sensitivity and reduced drainage.
These values provide a simple consistency check. They help compare soil texture with plasticity behavior during handling, compaction, and moisture changes.
Yes. The ternary plot gives a quick visual reference for presentations, site records, and consultant discussions about soil classification trends.
Yes. The page includes CSV and PDF export options, making it easier to share calculation summaries with project teams.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.